Our Process
How We Evaluate and Award Grants
We want you to know exactly what to expect. Here's a clear look at how we discover, discern and award our partner grants.
Why This Matters
This Process Is Personal
We're not just reviewing applications. We're getting to know people.
Every question, conversation, and step in this process is intentional. We're discerning who to partner with, not just what to fund. That's why we ask about your life, your family, and your calling. We take this seriously because the partnership itself is deeply personal.
Simply put: you're not an application to evaluate but a person we want to know.
What Guides Us
Built on Relationship, Not Red Tape
This process is built to know you personally, not just your résumé or ministry experience.
Personal
Every step is designed to know you as a person — your story, your vision and your calling.
Thorough
We ask thoughtful questions because we want clarity and conviction before moving forward together.
Spirit-Led
We rely on the power of prayer throughout the process, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide each step and decision.
At a Glance
Two Pathways, One Heart
Whether you're planting a church or taking a sabbatical, both paths are rooted in the same commitments: care, coaching, and counsel.
Church Planting Grant
A three-year partnership focused on coaching, care, and funding to support new churches.
- 10 steps over ~4 months
- In-person finalist assessment
- 3-year partnership commitment
- $75,000 over 3 years
Sabbatical Grant
An eight-month season of coaching and care, with funding to support rest and renewal.
- 9 steps over ~3 months
- Video interview for finalists
- ~8 months of support
- $7,500-$15,000 for sabbatical plans
Step by Step
How It Works
Here's what the process looks like from application to partnership.
Applications Open
Applications open each August. We review submissions from across the U.S. and begin initial screening.
Initial Review
We review each application for alignment with our beliefs, values, and partnership criteria.
Deeper Discovery
Selected applicants move forward with additional questions, references, and deeper evaluation.
Personal Conversation
We meet with you to hear your story, clarify your calling, and get to know you more personally.
Prayerful Discernment
Our team spends dedicated time in prayer, seeking clarity before moving forward.
Key MomentIn-Person Assessment
Six finalists gather in person with our team for deeper conversation, discernment, and evaluation.
Key MomentFinal Discernment
We spend several weeks in prayer to carefully consider each finalist before making final partnership decisions.
Partnership Begins
Partners are notified before Thanksgiving. The three-year journey officially begins the following January with our in-person partner retreat, where you get to connect with other recipients and partners who are already on the journey.
Key MomentOngoing Partnership
Monthly coaching for the pastor, monthly care calls for his wife, an annual retreat, Pastor Care Program supporter pairing, and relational investment throughout as you plant and launch your new church.
Beyond Financial Partnership
The financial partnership ends after three years, but the relationship continues. Partners transition from coaching to counsel and remain part of the 23 Project family.
Applications Open
Applications open each August (1st–31st), alongside our church planting partnerships.
Initial Review
Once the application window has closed, applications are evaluated for alignment with our beliefs, values, and partnership criteria. Those who are not a fit are notified.
Deeper Discovery
Qualifying applicants and their spouses complete a detailed questionnaire. We request additional information to further clarify and understand people, marriage and ministry. Those who are not a fit after this phase are also notified.
Personal Conversation
Next, a phone or video call is scheduled to discuss the application and get to know each candidate more personally.
Prayerful Discernment
After careful review, the team spends dedicated time in prayer to discern and decide the candidates that will be flown in for an in-person assessment.
Key MomentVideo Interview
Final-round candidates meet with the 23 Project team via video call (rather than in-person).
Key MomentFinal Discernment
A week of prayerful consideration follows the video assessments to determine the recipients for the grant and partnership.
Partnership Begins
Grants of $7,500–$15,000 are awarded. Coaching begins leading up to the sabbatical.
Key MomentSabbatical & Support
Approximately 8 months of coaching and care — before, during, and after the sabbatical period — for the pastor and his wife.